New Resources for Packaging and Labeling of Cannabis and Cannabis Products

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations for cannabis, approved and adopted on January 16, 2019, clarified and updated the packaging and labeling requirements for all cannabis and cannabis products sold within California (§40400-40417).

In an effort to assist with this transition and to clarify requirements, resources are available to help cannabis businesses achieve compliance with these new requirements. These include the following checklists and information:

Expectations for Compliance: Cannabis and cannabis product packaging that was compliant under the emergency regulations but is no longer compliant under the permanent regulations can be transferred to a licensed distributor until June 30, 2019. Licensed retailers may sell these cannabis products through December 31, 2019.

Licensees should be actively taking steps to transition their packaging and labeling into compliance with the regulations. Tips for licensees to transition into compliance with the labeling requirements:

Use stickers to modify existing packaging – Stickers can be used to cover non-compliant labeling or to update/add additional labeling information to outer or inner containers.

Repackage using compliant packaging – Manufacturers can repackage cannabis products on their premises. Child-resistant packaging requirements may be fulfilled using child-resistant exit packaging at retail during 2019, reducing the cost of repackaging products.

If you have any questions about packaging and labeling requirements that are not addressed in the resources above, please email MCSB@cdph.ca.gov.

About the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch

The California Department of Public Health’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB) is one of three state licensing authorities charged with oversight of commercial cannabis activity in California. MCSB is responsible for licensing and regulating cannabis manufacturers and for establishing statewide standards for packaging and labeling of cannabis and cannabis products.

MCSB strives to protect public health and safety by ensuring commercial cannabis manufacturers operate safe, sanitary workplaces and follow good manufacturing practices to produce products that are free of contaminants, meet product guidelines and are properly packaged and labeled.